I was definitely in the he-should-start camp as far as what the Reds should do with Aroldis Chapman.

But I’m starting to rethink that.

Why? I’ll call it the Laura Factor. Laura is my wife. She’s definitely in the he-should-close camp with Chapman. That’s not based in any statistically analysis. She thinks ERA+ is stronger version of laundry detergent.

The reason she wants Chapman in the closer role is she’ll go to four or five games this year and she wants a chance to see Chapman in every one of them.

I’m sure there are a lot of fans who feel the same way.

It’s hard to underestimate Chapman’s effect on the fan experience. I’ve never seen the park get as amped up as it does when he enters the game. Few things generate that kind of buzz in baseball.

It’s starting to remind me of when Trevor Hoffman used to enter the game in San Diego to “Hells Bells.” You didn’t have to be a Padres fan to get chills when you witnessed that.

The final out of Thursday’s game with Chapman going at Josh Hamilton with the tying run at second base was the signature moment of the season so far. Chapman threw four pitches to Hamilton. They were 97, 98, 99 and 9 mph8. If Hamilton had fouled back the fourth pitch, I fully expect Chapman would have ramped it up to 100.